I am hoping you can help me...I am looking for a location where I can host an outdoor bridal shower in the western suburbs. My ideal location would be in a wooded glen or garden type environment. I want to keep it rather casual and will be having 40-50 guests. The showere date is Saturday, June 7 2008.
Try contacting the Cook County Forest Preserve people to see what you need-permits, etc. I would also STRONGLY recommend an indoor "Plan B" location-you don't actually think the weather will cooperate, do you? Best wishes to the happy couple!
Hi B.:
I have a few suggestions: There is a garden like room at the Webber Grill on 22nd street in Oak Brook; there is a beautiful room at the McDonald Lodge in Oak Brook - it's in the round and has a gorgeous view of woods and flowers, etc.;
The room at McDonalds can be portioned off to make it as intimate or large as you like. I highly recommend this room for what you are talking about. We had a baby shower there a few years ago and the food was great. We also had a bridal shower at the Webber Grill and the food was fantastic as was the room. Good luck. J. B.
The Elmhurst Park District has an outdoor garden and gazebo; they typically host weddings and other events. The newcomers club has held out door meetings as well as the Chamber. You can call the Park District directly. However, I was told that a woman named Megan is in charge of booking events and can tell you what dates are available. Her direct number is ###-###-####. Good luck! C. Bajkowski
Try Cantigny Park in Wheaton. I've been there for a couple of showers..they were indoors, but I'm sure they could accomodate an outdoor event as well. It's beautiful there. Good luck.
How about the Danada Forest Preserve - http://www.dupageforest.com/education/danada.html or Morton Arboretum - http://www.mortonarb.org?
I went to a wedding at the Forest Preserve and it was beautiful. I've also seen many wedding parties at the Arboretum.
J.
Hi B.,
there is a very beautiful house on the grounds of the Wheaton Equestrian Center, I believe is the official name
that is rented out. There is a tent outside (don't know if it's permanent or rented) with gardens. It is an intimate setting surrounded by such natural beauty, all the ingredients to make a wedding shower to be remembered and enjoyed by all. One of my friend's daughters is looking into it for her wedding next year! Best of wishes whatever you decide.
C. D
Meson Sebika in Naperville. It's beautiful!
Try Meson Sabika in Naperville.
Try Danada House in Wheaton on Naperville Road. It's a beautiful old country home located on 170+ acres, with beautiful gardens. The house and property are now owned by the Dupage Forest Preserve and available to rent for private events.
Good luck and have fun!
Mary B.
There's a forest preserve area just south of Danada Square in Wheaton. Across the street to the west is an equestrian area. I don't know the name, but I went to a wedding there. The weather didn't allow for it to be outside that day, so they set up a tent. Perhaps if you called the wheaton park district they would know the name.
Meson Sabika in Naperville is beautiful. I know they do weddings outdoors, but I don't know about smaller parties. It might be worth checking out.
http://www.mesonsabika.com/mesonsabika/
Good luck!
How about the Morton Arboretum in Lisle - www.mortonarb.org.
You might also check golf courses/country clubs in the area and see what they might have to offer.
Good luck!
Have you tried The Danada House in Wheaton? My sister got married outside there and the gardens are beautiful. I'm not sure if they serve outdoors, but you can check into it. What about Meson Sabika (sp?)in Naperville? They might do outdoor showers there, too.
Good luck.
A.
Oscar Swan Inn in Geneva on Roosevelt Road is lovely
There is a beautiful place in Lemont that has gorgeous gardens and great food. It's called Montefiori. Check it out online.
Hi B. -
I know a great location, but I don't know if it's where you want to be geographically. It's the Grove, part of the Glenview Park District. They have a great place there called the Redfield Center that is a mini-mansion that would be perfect for your activity. They could set up indoors or outdoors (or both). I have used the space, and it's wonderful! Here is the link: http://www.glenviewparkdistrict.org/fa-grove-redfield.htm.
Good luck!
C.
What about one of the Botannical Gardens
V.
Cantigny is so beautiful and I know you can host a Tea at the gardens. There is a difference between the golf course and the gardens, I would check out the gardens. Also, the Boat House in Glen Ellyn is nice. It would be a little more casual and you would have to do all of the decorations and food. You basically rent out the building and do whatever you want. There is a deck off the back that overlooks Lake Ellyn. You can contact the Glen Ellyn Park District about that. We had our rehearsal dinner there. Depending on how far West you want to go, Oscar Swan in Geneva is great too. They do a lot of events outside. Sounds like fun, good luck.
Try Wilder Park in Elmhurst. Contact the Elmhurst Park District for more information. I've never been there for an event.. but its supposed to be very pretty.
It says available for weddings but you could call and find out if they will let you use it for a shower.
-Aarti.
Check out the Botanic Gardens in Batavia, Cantigny in Wheaton and Danata in Wheaton. I stood up in an outdoor wedding at the Botanic Gardens...specifically in the Japanese Tea Garden. It was lovely. However, at that time of year, I recommend have a covered area or back-up plan. I've dealt with weather issues (both rain and burning sun) for my daughter's birthday party at that time.
Good luck!
Morton Arboretum? Cantigny?
Check with the Geneva Park district about the Japanese Tea Garden at Fabyan Forest Preserve. It's absolutely beautiful there. It's been a few years since I've been there, and now it's not open to the public except by reservations such as this shower.
